How might Christian art influence the imagination in the growth, or hindrance, of faith? Through a seminar style class involving lecture, discussion and student presentations, this course will introduce and examine a practical application of theological aesthetics in relation to the imagination and Christian art in education and faith formation (catechesis). Participants will specifically examine the intersection between theological aesthetics, Christian artworks and faith formation while exploring the role of the imagination as the principal faculty of reception, translation and appropriation of the Christian message. Class members will develop the ability to articulate and employ pastoral applications of the course content with those whom they serve. Course evaluation will consist of class participation, a written paper and the preparation and presentation of an educational session. This course is open to M.Div students, as well as to MA/MTS, DMin, and STL students with some additional work. This course is co-taught by PhD student Lawrence Fraher with a Newhall Award. [PIN code required; 12 max enrollment; Auditors with faculty permission]
Designed primarily for STL and STD students, but open to others interested in preparing themselves to teach theology or religious studies in seminary and university settings, this teaching and learning seminar provides the participants an opportunity to sharpen their pedagogical skills. Requirements include designing a syllabus suitable to one's setting along with an implementation of some of its parts such as the preparing of lectures, facilitating class discussions (in some cases about the readings the students will have assigned), and creating methods of evaluation, such as testing and grading. In addition, guest lecturers will share their ""best pedagogical practices."" [Faculty Consent required; 12 max enrollment; Auditors excluded]
The course will cover many practical topics related to serving as a pastor or pastoral associate in a Catholic parish. Specific topics are: ""Strength Based Leadership"" and leadership practices for building strong working teams; stewardship; human resource and employment basics; the diocesan Catholic school system; parish budgets and finance councils; parish pastoral councils and volunteers; and self-care. There will be guest presenters on a number of the topics and students may anticipate some assignments that will take them into local parishes. Class meets Tuesdays and Thursdays, 1/5/2016-1/21/2016, from 9:30am-3:30pm. (Note - Class on January 19 may be rescheduled depending upon possible conflict with JST 1st year MDiv immersions.)